DREAM ADA-128

Modular High-Quality Audio Conversion System

A new breed of audio converter has arrived: Prism Sound’s Dream ADA-128.

The Dream ADA-128 redefines flexibility, capacity, and performance standards in professional audio conversion.  In creating it, we ripped up the rule book and started again, using all our 30+ years of ADC and DAC development experience.  Building on the legacy of the Prism Sound Dream ADA-8XR, the resulting Dream ADA-128 architecture is so capable that it is set to meet the needs of the most demanding facilities for years to come.

The Dream ADA-128 is a 2U chassis that can accommodate up to 20 plug-in Modules.  These presently include eight-channel analogue input and output Modules and an eight-channel AES3 Module.  Four of the slots can accommodate a range of 64-channel Host Modules which include Pro Tools HDX and Dante Host Modules (and more to come).  As well as being able to route analogue and AES3 I/O to and from Host media, full routing flexibility allows analogue to/from AES3 routing without use of Host slots, and Host-to-Host bridging.

The Dream ADA-128 contains four independent clock generators, each of which can run at different sample rates and with different sync sources.  The ADA-128’s Host and I/O Modules can be dynamically assigned to these Clock Domains, allowing multiple workflows (such as separate project studios or ingest stations) to simultaneously share the resources of a single ADA-128’s resources.

Every I/O Module, as well as the unit’s built-in Routing Module, have dedicated DSP capability, which will allow a wide range of future functionality to be added by a simple software download.

The Dream ADA-128 incorporates Prism Sound’s unique Verifile technology, wherein every ADC in the system can add imperceptible metadata to its dither signal, allowing downstream processes to check that every sample in a stream is exactly as it left the ADC.  This reduces the need for expensive and unreliable listening tests of every minute of every digital recording or transmission.

These and many other unique capabilities make the Dream ADA-128 the only box you will ever need, no matter what your application.

Dream ADA-128 Qclocks

Qclocks

The four independently synchronized clock domains allow this revolutionary product to run at 4 different sample rates allowing a single unit to deliver independent configurations for up to four recording and playback systems.

Dream ADA-128 Modular Construction

Modular Construction

The modular design meets the needs of the most demanding applications, as well as the needs of the growing studio. As your requirements grow the ADA-128 can grow with you.

Dream ADA-128 Advanced Digital Routing Architecture

A.D.R.A.

"Advanced Digital Routing Architecture". The ADA-128 delivers flexible interconnectivity both internally and externally allowing point-to-point routing throughout its modular configuration.

Dream ADA-128 Dolby ATMOS

Dolby ATMOS

The ADA-128 is set to become the centrepiece for studios worldwide. The ADA-128 allows you to meet the full Dolby Atmos channel count of 128 channels in a single 2U unit making this the most compact yet powerful solution available.

DREAM ADA-128 USE CASES

The versatility and performance of the new Dream ADA-128 ensure that it can deliver, no matter what the application. Find out how it can help you by contacting us today.  Here are a few application areas:

MULTIROOM FACILITY

Four independent Clock Domains allow multiple room support with a single ADA-128. Share access to multi-channel resources between different studios.

ADA-128 Multi-Room

PROTOOLS RECORDING

Four times as dense as an Avid HD I/O 16×16 Analog solution. The Dream ADA-128 will build on Prism Sound’s popularity in the quality-conscious Pro Tools world.

ADA-128 Pro Tools Studio Recording

DOLBY ATMOS

The Dream ADA-128 is set to become the centrepiece for studios worldwide as the only system supporting the full Dolby Atmos channel count of 128 channels in a single 2U unit.

ADA-128 Dolby Atmos Multi Speaker

AUDIO ARCHIVING

For archival projects, accurate and reliable ingestion of large audio assets is of paramount importance. Verifile provides automatic ingest integrity checking without the need for human listening.

ADA-128 Audio Archiving

Available I/O option cards

The versatility of the Dream ADA-128 is only limited by your vision. Due to the flexibility and modularity of the unit your choices are unlimited with Analogue I/O, Pro-Tools, Dante and AES available from the outset. How do you want to use it?

The Line in card is an 8-channel analogue input expansion card for the Dream ADA-128

Key Features

  • 8 high-quality analog inputs with premium analogue circuitry
  • Ultra-low latency state-of-the-art analogue-to-digital conversion
  • Expand the analog inputs on the chassis or swap out cards for customised configurations
Dream ADA-128 Line In Card

The Line out card is an 8-channel analogue output expansion card for the Dream ADA-128

Key Features

  • 8 high-quality analogue outputs with premium analogue circuitry
  • Ultra-low latency state-of-the-art digital-to-analogue conversion
  • Expand the analogue outputs on the chassis or swap out cards for customised configurations
Dream ADA-128 Line Out Card

The ability to support up to four digital host cards including Pro-Tools, DANTE, AES and many more in a modular form ensures the ADA-128 is a future-proof solution for all your requirements.

Dream ADA-128 PTHDX Card
The ADA-128 Dante Card offers low latency, high channel count connectivity with 64 channels (64×64) of bidirectional audio. The card allows high-channel digital splits between systems. A simple ethernet cable can easily connect an ADA-128 to your system, unleashing the power of audio over IP.
Dream ADA-128 DANTE module card

The modular architecture of the 16 I/O slots can also support 8 channels of AES per slot, allowing you even further flexibility to configure the ADA-128 to meet the needs of your system.

Dream ADA-128 AES Card

Dream ADA-128 Mic/Line and MADI cards coming soon

The “9 Pin multi clock lead” is an optional accessory.

Additional sync connections are required to utilize ADA-128s multiple clock domains. Please add this to your request, if you wish to purchase this cable with your Dream ADA-128 unit.

The “9 Pin multi clock lead” for the Dream ADA-128

This image of the unit’s rear panel shows the modular flexibility of the Dream ADA-128 allowing you to configure your unit before you buy to ensure your needs are met.

The left-hand section of the back-plane (left) shows the clocking connections, including:
1. Physical DARS connection on XLR
2. Word Clock on BNC
3. The other three word clocks enabling multi-clock domains are via the nine-pin connector.
4. HDMI connection – future use is TBC.
5. Computer connections are for firmware updates and future developments.

configuring your Dream ADA-128

I/O Modular Expansion

Click on the button to go to the Dream ADA-128 Configurator. The Configurator will open in a separate browser tab/window and there you can set up the ADA-128 just how you need it and then send it across to us for a quote.

DREAM ADA-128 SOFTWARE

SOFTWARE OVERVIEW

The Dream ADA-128 control software runs in an on-board CPU module, on a quad-core ARM processor.  The intuitive control software allows you to manage every element of the unit.  After 30+ years of UI engineering experience, we understand the needs of the modern audio professional; we have delivered the fastest, smoothest and most efficient workflow, based on a high-quality graphical representation of every feature.

GROUNDCONTROL SPHERE - GINGER AUDIO

Prism Sound is collaborating with software developer Ginger Audio to optimise Ginger Audio’s GroundControl Sphere into the Dream ADA-128 modular audio conversion system. This exciting development gives Dream ADA-128 customers access to comprehensive speaker management alongside the high-quality audio for which Prism Sound is renowned. Existing Dream ADA-128 customers who would like the software click the button below to upgrade free of charge.
The Dream ADA-128 with front panel touchscreen control panel

ONSCREEN CONTROL PANEL

The Dream ADA-128 can be controlled from the front panel touch screen, or else it can be controlled over IP using a browser-based control panel which has been optimised for computer, phone and tablet screens.  Every accessible element of the unit is only a touch away. The swift and intuitive navigation has been developed for those working in the most pressured environments. 

SOFTWARE INTERFACE

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Dream ADA128 iPad Software

A versatile store system allows swift reconfiguration of all or part of the unit (including individual Clock Domain resources).

The Dream ADA-128 can also be remotely controlled by other equipment in the system, for example by Dante or Pro Tools Hosts, or by dedicated controllers.

Eucon integration is currently in development.

Verifile Software

VERIFILE

Verifile is a radical new proprietary technology exclusive to Prism Sound which allows computer audio streams and recorded files to be quickly checked for a wide range of clicks, errors and dropouts, without any compromise in the audio content or any additional metadata. The Verifile process is entirely invisible and inaudible to the user, so using it is simplicity itself.

Developed to meet the needs of our audio archiving clients where even the most minute, inaudible error is completely unacceptable. Verifile can quickly identify and detect any such imperfection making it also the ideal choice for mastering & mix engineers.

ADA-128 SPECIFICATIONS

Click on the Toggle Buttons below, to show the Dream ADA-128’s technical specifications.

ADA-128 Chassis
Form factor:
2U rack mountable
Front panel:
Power/standby button, 5” touch TFT control panel
Rear panel:
16 I/O Module slots (1-16), 4 Host Module or I/O Module slots (17-20)
CPU Module with: 1xGbE RJ45, 2xUSB host, 1xUSB device, 1xHDMI
Utility reference sync panel with:
  • XLR DARS/AES11 input, XLR DARS/AES11 output
  • BNC Wordclock/Baseclock/Black-burst-video/10MHz input
  • BNC Wordclock/Baseclock output
  • DE-9F sync breakout, with 1x DARS out, 2xBNC out, 1xBNC in
3-pin 6A IEC mains inlet, fuse holder and isolation switch*
Clock Domains:
Four independent clock generators providing four Clock Domains
Each Module slot can be assigned to any Clock Domain
Host slots have access to multiple Clock Domains
Routing:
Every output port can be routed from any input port
Host Modules may thus operate as bridges
Dimensions:
W: 483mm D: 320mm H: 88mm (2U)
Weight:
TBC, depending on fitment
Power requirement:
90-260VAC 50/60Hz, up to 80W depending on fitment
Environmental:
0 to 35°C, 85% maximum relative humidity
Note:
* DC and redundant power options under development
ADA-128 I/O Modules
Line Input Module
Note:
Unless otherwise noted: specifications apply at fs = 48kHz and 18dBu line-up setting, balanced operation; residuals are band-limited 20Hz..20kHz and are quoted rms unweighted.
Configuration:
Eight input ports, electronically balanced, with fully-balanced analogue signal paths
Connection:
DB-25F, industry-standard TASCAM pinout
Supported sample rates:
44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
Pullup: 0.1%, 4.16%; pulldown: 0.1%, 4.0%
Wordlength:
32 bits
Verifile:
Tag insertion (allows downstream signal integrity verification)
DSP functions:
Amplitude calibration and trim
MS processing
High-pass filter selectable
Input sensitivity:
0dBFS = 24dBu to 3dBu in 1dB steps, with 0.1dB stepped trim
Input impedance:
14.5kΩ
Unbalanced mode:
Automatic
Over-killer (soft limit):
Per-channel, software selectable
Total harmonic distortion:
-115dB (< 0.00018%)
THD+N:
-111dB (< 0.00028%)
Dynamic range:
116dB (residual at -60dBFS), 119dB with A-weighting filter
Ide channel noise:
-116dBFS
Gain accuracy:
±0.05dB
LF roll-off (wrt 997Hz):
-0.05dB at 20Hz, -3dB at 1.7Hz
HF roll-off (wrt 997Hz):
-0.05dB at 20kHz (fs>=48kHz)
-3dB at 19k2 (fs=44k1)
-3dB at 20k9 (fs=48k0)
-3dB at 38k4 (fs=88k2)
-3dB at 41k6 (fs=96k0)
-3dB at 75k6 (fs=176k4)
-3dB at 81k5 (fs=192k0)
CMRR:
>80dB at 50Hz, >63dB at 15kHz
Crosstalk (any port pair):
<-130dB (50Hz)
<-112dB (15kHz)
Inter-channel phase:
±0.03° (10Hz – 5kHz)
±0.12° (5kHz – 20kHz)
±0.3° (20kHz – 50kHz)
ADA-128 I/O Modules
Mic Input Module
Note:
[Under development]
ADA-128 I/O Modules
Line Output Module
Note:
Unless otherwise noted: specifications apply at fs = 48kHz and 18dBu line-up setting, balanced operation; residuals are band-limited 20Hz..20kHz and are quoted rms unweighted.
Configuration:
Eight outputs, electronically balanced, with fully-balanced analogue signal paths
Connection:
DB-25F, industry-standard TASCAM pinout
Supported sample rates:
44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
Pullup: 0.1%, 4.16%; pulldown: 0.1%, 4.0%
Wordlength:
32 bits
Verifile:
Tag checking (signal integrity verification)
DSP functions:
Amplitude calibration and trim
Output amplitude:
0dBFS = 24dBu to 3dBu in 1dB steps, with 0.1dB stepped trim
Output impedance:
50Ω
Unbalanced mode:
Automatic, with bootstrapping level compensation
(only at <= 18dBu line-up)
Total harmonic distortion:
-114dB (< 0.0002%)
THD+N:
-111dB (< 0.00028%)
Dynamic range:
123dB (residual at -60dBFS), 125dB with A-weighting filter
Idle channel noise:
-123dBFS
Gain accuracy:
±0.05dB
LF roll-off (wrt 997Hz):
-0.1dB at 20Hz, -3dB at 1.25Hz
HF roll-off (wrt 997Hz):
-0.1dB at 20kHz
-3dB at 21k6 (fs=44k1)
-3dB at 23k5 (fs=48k0)
-3dB at 42k3 (fs=88k2)
-3dB at 46k0 (fs=96k0)
-3dB at 80k0 (fs=176k4)
-3dB at 86k8 (fs=192k0)
Output balance:
>50dB
Crosstalk (any port pair):
<-133dB (50Hz)
<-121dB (15kHz)
Inter-channel phase:
±0.02° (10Hz – 5kHz)
±0.1° (5kHz – 20kHz)
±0.2° (20kHz – 50kHz)
ADA-128 I/O Modules
AES3 I/O Module
Configuration:
Eight input and output ports on four pair of digital carriers, transformer-coupled
Connection:
DB-25F, industry-standard TASCAM pinout
Supported sample rates:
44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
Pullup: 0.1%, 4.16%; pulldown: 0.1%, 4.0%
Wordlength:
24 bits
Verifile:
Tag checking on outputs (signal integrity verification)
DSP functions:
MS processing
High-pass filter selectable on inputs
Formats:
AES3 (110Ω I/O impedance, professional Channel Status)
S/PDIF (75Ω I/O impedance, consumer Channel Status)
AES3id (110Ω I/O impedance, professional Channel Status)
Format is software-selectable per carrier
ADA-128 Host Modules
Pro Tools HDX Host Module
Configuration:
64 directly-connected Pro Tools HD I/O ports
Connection:
2x DigiLink Mini connectors, each carrying 32 I/O ports
Supported sample rates:
44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
Pullup: 0.1%, 4.16%; pulldown: 0.1%, 4.0%
Wordlength:
24 bits
Emulation modes:
Avid HD I/O 16×16 Analog or Avid HD I/O 16×16 Digital
Two emulations per DigiLink
Pro Tools control:
Supported functions are controlled from the Pro Tools UI
ADA-128 Host Modules
Dante Host Module
Configuration:
64 directly-connected Dante I/O ports
Connection:
2x GbE RJ45 connectors (switched or redundant operation)
Supported sample rates:
44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
Pullup: 0.1%, 4.16%; pulldown: 0.1%, 4.0%
Wordlength:
32 bits
ADA-128 Host Modules
MADI Host Module
Note:
[Under development]

Dream ADA-128 Software / Firmware

Dream ADA-128 Manuals

In keeping with our policy of continual development, specifications are subject to amendment without notice. E&OE.  All Trade Marks Acknowledged.